Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-9-25
Alligator Alcatraz: Depravity in the Everglades https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/08/alligator-alcatraz-depravity-in-the-everglades/ via @dianeravitch
Alligator Alcatraz: Depravity in the Everglades### Key Points
- The Sun-Sentinel editorial board condemned the creation of "Alligator Alcatraz," a detention camp for immigrants in the Everglades, criticizing its inhumane conditions and the celebratory attitude of Trump, DeSantis, and others.
- The camp is located in Ochopee, Florida, and immigrants are confined under brutal conditions, including extreme heat and humidity, which are predicted to cause deaths.
- The camp’s imagery, depicting suffering and violence, is cynically marketed as a political tool, contrasting it with historical internment camps.
- Environmentalists and the Miccosukee Tribe view the camp as a scar on the land and an insult to their heritage, while lawsuits aim to halt its construction.
- Trump hinted at expanding detention policies to include naturalized citizens, raising concerns about broader deportation efforts.
- DeSantis plans additional camps in Florida, further fueling criticism of his leadership and ambitions within the GOP.
- Critics argue that Trump’s actions, including dismantling FEMA and USAID, exacerbate suffering and undermine democracy.
Anand: A Biblical Flood, a Girl's Death, and a Great-Grandfather's Legacy https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/08/anand-a-biblical-flood/ via @dianeravitch
Anand Giridharadas reflects on the tragic death of Janie Hunt, a great-granddaughter of oil baron William Herbert Hunt, in a Texas flood exacerbated by climate change. The article explores the irony of Hunt's legacy as a donor to climate change denial campaigns and the indirect consequences of such actions. Giridharadas urges readers to consider the moral responsibility of safeguarding future generations and combating the denial of science and environmental degradation.### Key Points
- Anand Giridharadas discusses the connection between climate change, political donations, and the tragic death of Janie Hunt in a Texas flood.
- The essay highlights the indirect consequences of climate change denial and fossil fuel industries on human lives, particularly children.
- Giridharadas calls for collective action to protect future generations and confront the denial of science and environmental harm.
- The story serves as a moral reflection on the responsibilities of individuals and societies toward climate change and its impact.
A Message to MAGA https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/08/a-message-to-maga/ via @dianeravitch
A Message to MAGA by Diane Ravitch expresses deep concern about the alignment of the United States with authoritarian regimes and critiques the actions of former President Trump and the Republican Party. The blog highlights issues such as the erosion of democracy, misuse of government institutions, exploitation of the poor, and the prioritization of wealth and power over humanitarian values.### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch criticizes the U.S. for aligning with Russia, North Korea, and Iran in a UN vote, and expresses concern over the country's shift away from freedom and democracy.
- Trump is accused of weaponizing the Justice Department for personal revenge and undermining higher education and academic freedom.
- The blog discusses the arrest of immigrants without due process, civilian massacres in Gaza, and unethical business practices by the Trump family.
- Trump’s budget is criticized for cutting health insurance for millions of low-income Americans to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.
- Ravitch condemns Trump’s indifference to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and his exclusion of authoritarian nations from tariff threats.
- The post calls out Trump’s ego-driven policies and urges reflection through Charlie Chaplin’s speech from "The Great Dictator."
- Comments from readers emphasize shared responsibility among the Republican Party and affiliated organizations like The Heritage Foundation.
Trump's Energy Department Hires Climate Change Deniers https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/08/trumps-energy-department-hires-climate-change-deniers/ via @dianeravitch
Trump’s Energy Department has hired three scientists known for rejecting mainstream climate science, including Steven E. Koonin, John Christy, and Roy Spencer. Their hiring aligns with the administration’s efforts to dismantle green energy initiatives, remove climate change mentions from government websites, and slash funding for climate research. Critics, including prominent climate scientists, have expressed concern about the administration’s disregard for scientific consensus and its agenda to repeal the 2009 “endangerment finding,” which underpins regulations on greenhouse gas emissions.### Key Points
- Trump’s Energy Department hired climate change skeptics, including Steven E. Koonin, John Christy, and Roy Spencer.
- These appointments follow the administration’s dismissal of hundreds of scientists and its efforts to dismantle green energy programs.
- The administration aims to repeal the 2009 “endangerment finding,” which supports legal measures to regulate greenhouse gases.
- Critics warn that these actions undermine science and exacerbate the climate crisis, citing recent deadly heat domes and floods.
IRS Rules That Churches May Endorse Political Candidates https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/08/irs-rules-that-churches-may-endorse-political-candidates/ via @dianeravitch
The article discusses the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) decision to allow churches and houses of worship to endorse political candidates, effectively creating an exemption to the Johnson Amendment, a law enacted in 1954 that prohibited tax-exempt nonprofits from engaging in political campaigning. This change, initiated under the Trump administration, formalizes what some experts believe was already an unspoken policy. Critics argue this move undermines the separation between church and state and could lead to increased political activity within religious institutions.### Key Points
- The IRS decided that churches can endorse political candidates without violating the Johnson Amendment, viewing such endorsements as private matters within congregations.
- The exemption stems from a lawsuit filed by two Texas churches and a Christian broadcasters association, which sought broader freedoms for all nonprofits but settled for a narrower carveout.
- Critics worry this decision could lead to increased politicking in churches and erode nonprofit laws meant to prevent tax-exempt institutions from being used for political campaigns.
- Evangelical churches, a key part of Trump’s base, had previously engaged in political endorsements, sometimes using inflammatory language against candidates like Kamala Harris.
H.R. 1 Will Make America’s Kids Hungrier, Less Healthy, and Deeper in Poverty https://open.substack.com/pub/brucelesley/p/hr-1-will-make-americas-kids-hungrier?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
H.R. 1 Will Make America’s Kids Hungrier, Less Healthy, and Deeper in Poverty### Key Points
- H.R. 1 cuts $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), leading to increased child hunger, poorer health, and deeper poverty.
- The bill prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy and unrelated provisions like cheaper gun silencers over child nutrition.
- SNAP benefits will be tied to outdated formulas, eroding purchasing power and making it harder for families to afford nutritious food.
- Cuts to SNAP will reduce free school meal eligibility, worsening classroom hunger and long-term educational outcomes.
- States will bear a higher financial burden for SNAP, potentially leading to budget cuts in schools, health programs, and local services.
- SNAP spending reductions will harm rural economies, small businesses, and farmers reliant on SNAP-driven demand.
- Hunger among children leads to severe health risks, developmental delays, and perpetuates cycles of poverty.
- H.R. 1 disproportionately benefits the wealthiest households while worsening conditions for the poorest Americans.
New Ohio Budget Perpetuates Systemic Injustice by Underfunding the Public School Finance Formula https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/07/08/new-ohio-budget-perpetuates-systemic-educational-injustice-by-underfunding-public-school-finance-formula/ via @janresseger
### Key Points- Ohio's new budget underfunds public schools while favoring wealthy taxpayers with a flat income tax and prioritizing investments in private school vouchers and a Cleveland Browns stadium.
- Governor Mike DeWine vetoed 67 provisions in the budget, including a proposal to limit school districts' carryover balances to 40%, which would have destabilized local school funding.
- The legislature failed to fully fund the Fair School Funding Plan, reducing the state’s share of public school funding and increasing the financial burden on local districts, exacerbating educational inequality.
- Funding for private school vouchers increased more than funding for traditional public schools, despite public schools serving eight times as many students.
- Experts criticize the legislature for not updating cost data to ensure adequacy in the funding formula, leading to a declining state share in school funding.
Teacher Tom: Advice for New Parents https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/advice-for-new-parents.html
Teacher Tom shares insights on parenting and teaching, reflecting on the transformative journey of new parents and offering advice rooted in his extensive experience working with families in preschool settings. He likens the transformation of becoming a parent to a thought experiment about becoming a vampire, emphasizing how priorities and perspectives shift profoundly. The article also highlights his dedication to play-based learning, his blog's resources, and opportunities to support or engage with his work.### Key Points
- Becoming a parent is a transformative experience, likened to a thought experiment about becoming a vampire, where initial concerns fade as new realities take precedence.
- Teacher Tom advises new parents to listen to all advice but follow only what resonates personally, emphasizing the uniqueness of each parent-child relationship.
- Teacher Tom has been blogging daily about play-based learning for 14 years, offering free resources and opportunities to engage with his work.
- The blog includes a wide array of topics, from parenting to education reform, and highlights Teacher Tom's efforts to expand access to high-quality preschool education globally.
- Teacher Tom invites collaboration for speaking events and provides updates through an email list for those interested in his work.
Am I a Racist? | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/07/08/am-i-a-racist/
### Key Points- The article appears to be a blog archive listing various posts and categories, including topics such as politics, education, book reviews, and seminars.
- It includes a timeline of entries spanning from 2025 back to 2006, organized by month and year.
- Specific posts mentioned include titles like "Am I a Racist?" and "Under the Tree," along with references to events and seminars.
- Comments are closed for the entries, and navigation options for previous posts are provided.
Get TIX on July 11 | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/07/08/get-tix-on-july-11/
### Key Points- The Goodman Theatre will host "Revolution(s)," a punk/metal/hip-hop musical by Tom Morello, from October 4 to November 9, 2025, in its Owen Theatre. The story follows Hampton Weems, a soldier-turned-musician, navigating life and resistance in Chicago.
- Tickets for "Revolution(s)" go on sale starting Friday, July 11, 2025. Membership packages, including CLASSIC, CHOICE, WHENEVER, and the new CENTENNIAL Membership, are available with various benefits and discounts. Group tickets for 10+ people are also offered.
- Accessible and enhanced performances include American Sign Language interpretation, audio description, touch tours, Spanish subtitles, and open captions for select dates. Discount codes are available for these performances.
- Goodman Theatre celebrates its Centennial 25/26 Season, featuring productions such as "ASHLAND AVENUE," "HOLIDAY," "THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO," "AUGUST WILSON’S MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM," "ICEBOY!," "REVOLUTION(S)," and "BLOOD MEMORY."
- The Goodman Theatre location is at 170 N Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60601, with the box office open daily from 12 noon to 5 pm.
NEA breaks ties with the Anti-Defamation League. (Repost from Mondweiss), by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/nea-breaks-ties-with-the-anti-defamation?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
NEA breaks ties with the Anti-Defamation League. The National Education Association (NEA), the largest labor union in the U.S., voted to sever ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) at its 2025 Representative Assembly. Delegates criticized the ADL for suppressing antiracist organizing, misusing the term "antisemitism" to silence critics of Israel, and attacking NEA members and other organizations advocating for Palestinian rights. The decision reflects growing solidarity within the NEA for Palestine and broader antiracist unionism. The measure, designated as a boycott, faces procedural steps before implementation, with potential resistance from the ADL.### Key Points
- The NEA voted to cut ties with the ADL, citing its suppression of antiracist movements and misuse of "antisemitism" to silence critics of Israel.
- Delegates highlighted the ADL's history of attacking organizations advocating for Palestinian rights and its recent targeting of NEA members.
- The NEA's internal organizing, including the Arab American Caucus and Educators for Palestine, has strengthened solidarity for Palestinian rights.
- The measure is labeled a boycott, requiring additional procedural steps, and may face backlash from the ADL and other groups.
Curmudgucation: Federal Voucher Bill Is a Boondoggle for the Wealthy | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/federal-voucher-bill
### Key Points- The Education Choice for Children Act (ECCA) is criticized as a policy benefiting wealthy individuals rather than addressing school choice or aiding low-income families.
- ECCA eligibility criteria allow high-income households to qualify for vouchers, undermining its purported aim to assist low-income families.
- The bill uses a tax credit scholarship model that provides donors with dollar-for-dollar tax credits, resulting in significant revenue losses for the federal government.
- ECCA lacks oversight mechanisms to ensure proper use of funds or prevent fraud, and it permits discriminatory practices by private education vendors, including religious schools.
- The bill is seen as a move to shift the responsibility of education from the government to parents, while providing financial benefits to wealthy individuals.
- Critics argue that ECCA undermines public education and largely serves as a tax shelter for affluent families already utilizing private schools.
glen brown: Trump's "Worst Piece of Legislation" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/trumps-worst-piece-of-legislation.html
### Key Points- The article critiques a recent MAGA-backed legislation described as the worst since the Slave Fugitive Act, which severely damages the social safety net, increases wealth inequality, and escalates harmful immigration policies.
- The legislation impacts healthcare, nutrition, education, and green energy investments, with long-term consequences for working and middle-class Americans. Democrats are urged to unify and strategize to reverse its effects.
- Democratic leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries fought the bill through debates and procedural delays, emphasizing their commitment to ordinary Americans despite losing seats in 2024.
- The article calls for unity among progressives and moderates in the Democratic Party to counter MAGA policies and build a coalition to regain power. It emphasizes tolerance for diverse views within the party.
- Democrats are encouraged to focus on state elections in New Jersey and Virginia in 2025, leveraging the bill's harmful impact to rally voters and target Republican incumbents responsible for its passage.
- Mobilizing non-voters and disillusioned Trump voters is seen as critical to expanding the pro-democracy coalition and countering Republican policies.
The Uppity Minority: You Spoke Up—So They’ll Call a Lawyer – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/08/the-uppity-minority-you-spoke-up-so-theyll-call-a-lawyer/
The article discusses the systemic pattern of retaliation and control exercised by institutions against leaders, particularly those from marginalized communities, who challenge the status quo and advocate for equity. It highlights how investigations are often weaponized to silence, discredit, or remove such leaders under the guise of neutrality and procedural rigor. The article provides examples, such as Regent Wanda James at CU Boulder, and other cases across academia, illustrating how institutional fragility reacts to equity-driven voices. It concludes with recommendations to counter this cycle and emphasizes the importance of solidarity and courage in resisting these tactics.### Key Points
- Institutions often weaponize investigations to silence equity-driven leaders from marginalized communities.
- Investigations are framed as neutral but serve as tools for retaliation and control, targeting voices that disrupt institutional comfort.
- Leaders like Wanda James, Dr. Claudine Gay, Dr. Frances Contreras, and Dr. Nicole Hannah-Jones exemplify this pattern of targeting and silencing.
- These investigations are rarely about performance but fear of influence and change brought by equity-focused leadership.
- Recommendations include demanding transparency, addressing selective enforcement, building coalitions, and preparing future leaders to navigate these challenges.
- Solidarity and collective resistance can dismantle these tactics and empower marginalized voices.
2025 SUN Bucks Resources - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/sunbucksresources.asp
### Key Points- The California Department of Education (CDE) has announced new resources for the 2025 SUN Bucks program, including templates, guidance, and verification documentation.
- SUN Bucks verification applies only to Universal Benefits Applications and Local Education Agency-created applications; National School Lunch Program applications are excluded.
- Various resources, such as webinars, fact sheets, and guidance documents, are available to help Local Education Agencies (LEAs) implement the SUN Bucks program effectively.
- Recent updates in nutrition-related topics include competitive food management bulletins, turkey bacon recalls due to listeria concerns, and compliance guidance for beverages and processed products.
- Contact information for inquiries about SUN Bucks is provided, along with equal opportunity statements.
- The California Department of Education website offers additional resources on education standards, funding, specialized programs, and accountability measures.
Poem: summer tomatoes (this is how we live, this is how we die) https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/07/08/poem-summer-tomatoes-this-is-how-we-live-this-is-how-we-die/ via @plthomasEdD
This article primarily features a poem titled "Summer Tomatoes" by Dr. P.L. Thomas, reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and cherished moments through the metaphor of a summer fling with tomatoes. The poem evokes nostalgia and memories of childhood summers, emphasizing the impermanence of time and the impossibility of returning to the past. The rest of the content includes various topics and themes explored on the author's blog, such as education, politics, literacy, social justice, and cultural commentary.### Key Points
- A poem titled "Summer Tomatoes" uses tomatoes as a metaphor for life's fleeting moments, blending nostalgia and reflections on impermanence.
- The blog covers diverse themes, including education reform, critical media literacy, social justice, and cultural analysis.
- Highlights popular posts, such as critiques of the Mississippi Reading "Miracle," discussions on Paulo Freire's philosophy, and reflections on ChatGPT's implications.
- The blog archives span years of content, showcasing consistent engagement with topics like racism, education, and societal critiques.
Socialism 2025: A Movement Gathers https://open.substack.com/pub/jessehagopian/p/socialism-2025-a-movement-gathers?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points- The Socialism 2025 conference in Chicago gathered 2,400 attendees, the largest socialism conference yet, to discuss strategies for defeating fascism, building healthy communities, and achieving socialism.
- Over 180 sessions covered topics like revolutionary history, socialist theory, labor struggles, abolition, radical education, and international solidarity, creating a dynamic learning environment.
- Jesse Hagopian contributed to sessions on protest art, antiracist education, and resisting fascism in schools, highlighting the intersection of education and political struggle.
- The conference featured impactful talks, including sessions on Palestinian youth organizing, social reproduction theory, multiracial high school student movements, Marxist theory, and electoral strategies for the Left.
- Attendees engaged in intellectual inquiry, comradely debate, and collective learning, fostering movement building through strategic clarity and solidarity.
- The event emphasized the importance of asking critical questions and sharpening tools for activism, while acknowledging the ongoing process of finding solutions.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Candidate Updates, July 8, 2025 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/07/seattle-school-board-candidate-updates.html?spref=tw
Seattle Schools Community Forum provides updates on Seattle Public Schools, focusing on school board elections, endorsements, and governance issues. The article details candidate changes, endorsements by various organizations, and debates about governance policies like SOFG. It also highlights challenges like nepotism within the district and discusses advanced learning services.### Key Points
- Vivian van Gelder withdraws from District 5 school board race, endorses Janis White.
- Endorsements for candidates vary among organizations like WEA-PAC, SEA, The Stranger, and The Seattle Times.
- Janis White prioritizes budget management and community engagement, earning The Seattle Times' endorsement.
- Vivian Song's past actions raise concerns about her commitment to the school board.
- SOFG governance policy becomes a key election issue, with candidates opposing its continuation.
- District 4 sees a competitive endorsement battle between Laura Marie Rivera and Joe Mizrahi, backed by prominent figures and unions.
- Nepotism within Seattle Schools is highlighted as a persistent issue in staffing and promotions.
- Director Geary discusses advanced learning services in CSIPs.
One Million Rising: Strategic Non-Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism · No Kings https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/803953/
Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and full-scale attacks on our democracy. We don’t have to wait until it’s too late. We can stop this. But it’ll take all of us—not just on single days of mass action, but through sustained organizing in our communities.
That’s why this summer, we’re launching One Million Rising—a national effort to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the basics of community organizing and campaign design. This is how we build people power that can’t be ignored. You’re invited to join us—and lead.
Let’s build a force bigger than fear and louder than hate. Let’s get ready. Let’s get organized. Let’s stop Trump. https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/803953/
The article is a compilation of various blog posts and news stories covering societal, political, and educational issues. Topics include climate change, political controversies, systemic inequities, educational reforms, and advocacy efforts for social change.
### Key Points
- Billionaire elites are abandoning philanthropy in favor of overt displays of wealth, reflecting deeper societal inequalities.
- CBS settled a lawsuit filed by Trump over a "60 Minutes" interview, raising concerns about corporate influence on journalism.
- Florida Governor DeSantis' allies misused restricted funds at New College, sparking governance concerns.
- Texas floods killed over 70 people, exacerbated by climate change and NOAA budget cuts under Trump.
- Kerr County failed to implement a flood warning system, leading to preventable disaster.
- H.R. 1 cuts $186 billion from SNAP, increasing hunger and poverty among children while benefiting the wealthy.
- Public resistance to school choice stems from principled values supporting equity and accountability in public schools.
- Soldiers like Daniel Edri face moral injuries from war, leading to psychological trauma and high suicide rates.
- Advocacy campaigns like "One Million Rising" aim to resist authoritarianism through strategic non-cooperation.
- NYC DOE’s class size reduction plan is criticized for exemptions and lack of a multi-year strategy.
- Teacher pensions do not significantly enhance effort or selectively retain higher-performing educators.
- AI in education is often discussed through cultural narratives, overshadowing its practical limitations.
- Block Island has historical ties to activism and civil rights, highlighting its cultural significance.
- UFT President Mulgrew faces criticism for lack of transparency and prioritization of political endorsements over member concerns.
- Independence Day discussions focus on contradictions, historical exclusions, and public education's role in democracy.
